Agua Caliente

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Cocktail History

The Agua Caliente is a classic cocktail that was created in the 1920s most likely in Mexico because its name is a reference to the racetrack in Tijuana. The recipe is traditionally made with tequila, lime, simple syrup, berry liqueur, grenadine, and soda water, and it is considered to be the earliest known version of the Tequila Sunrise.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Soda Water: This is a carbonated beverage made with water and dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which gives it a fizzy, neutral flavor.

Tequila Blanco: This is a type of tequila made in Mexico with fermented blue agave and yeast, which are distilled and then left unaged to develop a bright, agave-forward flavor.

Lime Juice: This is the liquid extracted from the flesh of ripe limes that has a zesty, sour flavor and light green color.

Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water, which are heated into a syrup with a sweet flavor.

Crème De Cassis: This is a liqueur made with blackcurrants, distilled alcohol, water, and sugar, which are blended and infused to develop a dark, tart berry flavor.

Grenadine: This is a sweetener made with pomegranate juice and white sugar, which are heated and infused into a syrup with a deep, sweet-tart flavor.

Lime Wheel: This is a lime slice that has been cut into a circular shape.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.

Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Bright brown-ish red color with an ombré effect

• Aroma: Agave and citrus

• Taste: Bubbly tequila flavor mingled with noticeable citrus and slightly bitter berry notes

• Finish: Sweet pomegranate and tart lemon

Kendall’s Take: “This is a pretty straightforward stretched cocktail that’s delicious, refreshing, and fruity. The mixers mask the tequila so well that the Agua Caliente might be a little dangerous if you’re not careful. The tart flavors also reminded of the mixed tequila drinks I’d order by the pool when I was by a beach in Mexico.”

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum.